Innovation & Subsidies

Regional overview of innovation and sustainability subsidies

Identifying aid, optimizing applications, and support until approval.

Belgian flag flying against a clear sky, illustration for Regional Overview of Subsidies

Depending on your region, you can access three categories of aid: investment aid, aid for ecological transition and climate impact reduction, and aid for research and development (R&D). Each region has its own rules, eligibility criteria, and competent bodies. Mastering this complex landscape is essential to avoid missing an opportunity.

Map of Belgium with its three identified regions, illustration for Research and Development Prizes

In Flanders, VLAIO (Vlaamse Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen) manages several permanent incentives:

R&D: grants for feasibility studies and research projects.
- R&D : subventions pour études de faisabilité et projets de recherche.
Sustainability :
- Green Aid: for process electrification and the transition to sustainable energy alternatives
- ECOLOGIE PREMIE+ : support for specific ecological investments, including transport, refrigeration technologies, heat recovery and water management.
- STRES : subsidies for large-scale innovative ecological projects, with a minimum investment of EUR 1.5 million and support ranging from 20% to 55%.
Training & Consultancy :
- STS (Strategische Transformatie Steun): support for strategic transformation projects, covering 8% of investment costs and 20% of training costs.
- KMO Portefeuille : funding for training and consultancy services, covering 30% for small companies and 20% for medium-sized companies, with an annual ceiling of EUR 7,500.

In Brussels, the focus is primarily on R&D and SME investments.

Innoviris: grants for feasibility studies and R&D projects located in the Brussels region.
SME Grants: SMEs with a registered office in Brussels can benefit from aid for real estate investments, materials, works, security, and compliance with standards. Rates vary depending on the investment's purpose, company size, and criteria such as environmental exemplary performance and job creation.

In Wallonia, the Walloon Public Service (SPW) offers several schemes:

R&D (DG06): grants or recoverable advances for fundamental, industrial, or experimental research.
Investment grant: up to 20% for creation, diversification, expansion, or change of production. SMEs: nationwide. Large companies: limited to development zones (Hainaut and Luxembourg).
Green Aid (energy and ecological transition) — 4 pillars:
- Energy efficiency: 20–40% (mandatory energy audit)
- Renewable energy sources: 8–50% depending on type (photovoltaic panels not eligible)
- Environmental protection: 15–40%
- Refrigeration units (CO2, Propane, NH3): 15–40%

‍

Professional discussion over a laptop during a meeting

01

Eligibility Analysis

Analysis of your investment programs to determine their eligibility for current regional schemes.

02

Application Optimization & Drafting

Optimizing your applications to maximize grant funding, and thoroughly and compliantly preparing requests to maximize success.

03

Project defense

Defending your projects before the competent authorities: VLAIO, Innoviris, or SPW depending on your region.

04

Reporting, monitoring, and combining

Reporting and monitoring to ensure the release of funding tranches, and combining subsidies with other schemes to optimize your funding.

R&D grants

Fund your R&D projects through regional grants dedicated to innovation.

Grants for Sustainable Investments

Access financial support for your sustainable and ecological investment projects.

Overview of fiscal deductions for innovation

Maximise your tax benefits through investment deductions and available tax credits.

Regional overview of innovation and sustainability subsidies

Regional Subsidy Schemes

How ABV Development Helps You Obtain Grants